An important announcement from 'Team Camaro' regarding ZL1 production....

Early this morning, John Fitzpatrick, Camaro's Marketing Manager, sent a note to our Chevrolet dealers receivng ZL1 allocation to make them aware that production of the 2012 Camaro ZL1 is NOW underway at Oshawa!

He also wanted to avise them of a new constraint involving the hood insert. John wanted me to share with you the contents of that message so you are aware of the ZL1 ordering situation.

Without further ado, here is part of the message to select Chevy dealers...

Quote:

To all Chevrolet Dealers who will be receiving 2012 Camaro ZL1 allocation:

The purpose of this note is to provide an update on 2012 Camaro ZL1 production start, and the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” (RPO: B92) constraint issued just prior to the start of the last Dealer Order Submission Process (DOSP) for ZL1.

Retail production of the 2012 Camaro ZL1 is now underway at General Motors’ Oshawa Assembly Center. Similar to the start of coupe production in 2009, and convertible production in 2011, production will ramp up slowly and the initial retail units will undergo a thorough quality assessment before being released to the transportation companies for shipment to dealers.

Dealers receiving these initial retail ZL1 units should expect a longer than usual shipping process. Deliveries of these initial retail ZL1 units are tentatively scheduled for arrival to dealerships in early to mid-March 2012. Please visit GM GlobalConnect’s Order Workbench to inquire on specific timing for an “in-system” (Event 2000 or higher) order.

As the start of retail production occurs this week, the third exclusive cycle for dealers to submit orders for the 2012 Camaro ZL1 starts this Thursday, January 26, 2012.

Just prior to the last DOSP cycle for ZL1, dealers were alerted to the fact that the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” (RPO: B92) was on a full constraint, and that dealers with production allocation for that cycle had to submit ZL1 orders with only the base “black painted carbon fiber hood insert.” After working the issue with the supplier for the last few weeks, Chevrolet is pleased to report that the optional “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” (RPO: B92) WILL be available for this upcoming DOSP cycle.

The carbon fiber hood insert whether painted black in the standard condition, or exposed weave with a clear coat when ordered as an option (RPO: B92), is an integral part of the air management system of the ZL1. The optional hood insert with the exposed carbon fiber weave will be available through the remaining 2012 model run at a higher level than the base black painted carbon fiber hood insert. In fact, the base black painted carbon fiber hood insert (1EY37 -B92) will be on constraint at various levels moving forward for the remaining model year run.

For those orders impacted by the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert” full constraint during the last DOSP cycle, it is NOT possible to change or add the RPO: B92 back to those orders that had to be changed by the dealer to fit the available production window. For those customers who seek the “exposed carbon fiber weave hood insert,” the insert will be available as a dealer-installed accessory part in the coming weeks.

Please understand Chevrolet’s goal is to avoid production constraints, but in this case, the production constraints are being implemented to ensure the overall 2012 Camaro ZL1 Estimated Production Guide numbers that were furnished to you would be fulfilled. It is possible that future production issues could develop that prevents the guide numbers from being met; however, at this time, Chevrolet is on track to fulfill these numbers (please see GMLaunch.com for further information on your dealership’s 2012 Camaro ZL1 Estimated Guide Numbers).

I'm sorry to have rained on everyone the past few days - but we really didn't want to announce SORP prior to getting a few details ironed out.

We simply DO NOT want to set false expectations.

That used to be relatively easy to do! -- but with the advent of 'real time news' it has become very difficult to do.....and as I've said many many times, the last thing we want is to disappoint or upset our loyal customers and enthusiasts!

So - my apologies for being 'an old grouch' with SORP (Start of Regular Production by the way - another Acronym!)

Thank you Scott for the update! Good to hear that the exposed carbon fiber hood will be lifted off constraint on the next ordering allocation. I gave up my initial allocation in the hopes of this happening. Plus now the Crystal red is off constraint. I have to go back and look at those caddies with that color and decide.

Just to be clear, the people who are at 3000, me included , and had to delete the exposed hood insert, the regular flat black insert is not on constraint for those cars is it? You are just saying that it could go on constraint in the future during the 12 model run. and thank everyone at the assembly plant. Tim